EPA begins soil tests for lead today

Process is explained to Palmerton area landowners.

October 02, 2002|By Chris Parker Of The Morning Call and Terry Ahner Special to The Morning Call -- Freelance

Myles Young plans to stay on his property at 45 Gap Road in Lower Towamensing Township for a long time, so he wants to make sure its soil isn't contaminated by lead from years of nearby zinc-smelting operations.

That's why Young was among eight landowners who met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials Tuesday in the West End Fire Hall, Palmerton, to talk about a far-reaching plan that would clean up contaminated properties.

Soil sampling starts today on about 10 properties, said EPA community involvement coordinator David Polish.

"The purpose is to see how long it takes to sample each property," he said. "That way we can get a good idea of how many we can do each day."

In two sessions Tuesday, the EPA showed residents a videotape of the voluntary testing process and answered questions about the testing and subsequent cleanup.

People studied clearly drawn sampling area maps and examined the tools used to take the samples: a white plastic scoop much like a 1/2-cup measuring scoop and a gallon-size clear plastic food storage bag.

Last month, the agency sent letters to nearly 1,600 residents of Palmerton and Lower Towamensing Township, telling them they would be first in line for the testing.

More than 400 landowners have replied to the letters, with 83 percent saying they would participate, Polish said.

Permission forms are due Oct. 15. The tests will take at least five samples about 2 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches deep from each property.

The results of the testing will be mailed to property owners.

The first wave of tests will cover properties south of Columbia Avenue in Palmerton, along and south of Little Gap Road, and in Aquashicola.

A second round of notices will be sent in spring.

The area was declared a Superfund site in 1984 because of extensive contamination.

The EPA's ambitious cleanup plan intends to test as many as 2,800 residential properties and clean those found to have high lead levels. Homes found with high levels will also be tested to detect dust with traces of lead.

The bill will be paid by New York companies Viacom Inc. and Horsehead Industries, which the federal government holds accountable for the cleanup.

After sitting through the video and asking a few questions, Young said all his concerns had been addressed.

That's exactly what the EPA aimed to do at the meeting, Polish said.

"I think it's a very good idea from the standpoint that if people decide one day they want to sell their homes, this testing will already be done for free," Young said.

Residents can ask questions and return sampling permission forms at an office the EPA is sharing with Cummings Ritter, an environmental consulting company representing one of the companies paying for the cleanup, at 125 Delaware Ave., Palmerton.